Dalmatinska 29, Novi Sad, Serbia 07.06.2026
Source: https://granfondons.com/
UCI Gran Fondo Novi Sad 🇷🇸
Sports Event 📍Novi Sad, Serbia 🇷🇸
Organized by @vabk.official
Novi Sad, Serbia
Date: 07.06.2026
Intro
The Gran Fondo Novi Sad will be held for the second time as part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series. Its route leads through the beautiful landscapes of the Fruška gora National Park, starting and ending in the city of Novi Sad, which held the title of European Capital of Culture 2022.
General
The Danube river flows between the mountains of Fruška gora and city Novi Sad, the route will follow the Danube before climbing the slopes of Fruška gora. The gentler south side of the mountain provides an excellent location for vineyards. It has a long history of making the finest wines from the Romans time until the present day. In between the lush forests and vineyards there are more than 15 monasteries, that are scattered around Fruška gora.
Road Race
Gran Fondo Novi Sad has two race distances, both a circular race with start and finish in Novi Sad. The races will start on Sunday morning in front of the Provincial Government building in the very center of Novi Sad. The longer route is 100 km with 1500 m climbing total, while the shorter is 77 km and 1200 m of climbing.
The UCI Gran Fondo Novi Sad is a relatively new but rapidly growing addition to the UCI Gran Fondo World Series, serving as a qualifying event for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.
Despite its short history, it has quickly established itself as a premier amateur cycling event in Southeastern Europe, blending the historic charm of Novi Sad with the challenging terrain of the Fruška Gora National Park.
🕒 Origins and the Inaugural Race (2024)
The race made its debut on June 16, 2024. As the first ever UCI-sanctioned Gran Fondo in Serbia, it was designed to put the region on the global amateur cycling map.
- Participation: The inaugural event drew nearly 1,000 riders (with some reports indicating 650–1,000) from approximately 40 different countries, showcasing immediate international appeal.
- First Winners: Slovenian cyclist Igor Kopse (a well-known name in amateur cycling) and Serbian rider Marija Vlaović were the first overall winners of the Gran Fondo distance. Kopse notably finished five minutes ahead of the pack.
- Cultural Backdrop: The event leveraged Novi Sad’s status as the 2022 European Capital of Culture, starting and finishing in front of the iconic Provincial Government building.
🚴 Evolution and Growth
Following the success of the 2024 debut, the event was immediately renewed for subsequent years, becoming a fixture of the World Series.
- The 2025 Edition: Held in June 2025, the race solidified its reputation for “puncheur” style climbing. Winners included Petrova and Strugar, maintaining the tradition of high-level competition from both local and international athletes.
- The 2026 Outlook: Scheduled for June 7, 2026, the event continues to offer two primary distances:
- Gran Fondo (~100 km): Featuring roughly 1,500 meters of elevation gain.
- Medio Fondo (~77 km): Featuring roughly 1,200 meters of elevation gain.
🏞️ The Course: “The Gibraltar of the Danube”
The history of the race is inextricably linked to the geography of Fruška Gora, a former island in the ancient Pannonian Sea.
- The Start: Riders begin in the heart of Novi Sad, crossing the Rainbow Bridge over the Danube.
- The Terrain: The route is famous for its “rolling” nature—constant short, steep climbs and descents through vineyards and lush forests.
- Cultural Landmarks: The course passes many of the 16 Orthodox monasteries located on the mountain, adding a unique historical layer to the physical challenge.
🏆 Significance
The race serves as a crucial qualifier for the World Championships, allowing the top 25% of finishers in each age category to earn their spot on the global stage. Its inclusion in the UCI calendar marked a significant milestone for Serbian cycling, transitioning the country from a host of professional tours to a destination for mass-participation amateur endurance sport.
